Supporters will have been encouraged by a lot of what they have seen from Stephen Kenny's Ireland side over the last nine months or so, but few developments are more important than the strides Troy Parrott has taken in his game.
The Dubliner has long been seen as the most talented player of his generation, having the potential to become a top performer at both club and international level. However, he found the going tough during his debut season in first team football at both Millwall and Ipswich Town.
Having also initially struggled at MK Dons, his form really turned in January. Parrott was excellent for the club over the second half of the campaign, helping them to the League One play-offs.
He has taken that level of play into a green jersey, with the forward scoring excellent goals against both Lithuania and Scotland in recent months. While he would not find the back of the net in the draw against Ukraine, he did put in yet another strong showing at international level.
Troy Parrott and Michael Obafemi combined for Parrott to ghost in behind the Scottish defence and double Ireland's lead #RTESoccer #IRLSCO #COYBIG
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Stephen Elliott backs Troy Parrott for Championship move
Troy Parrott will return to Spurs this summer, when it is assumed that he will once again be loaned out for next season. That is likely to be a level above where he played in the last campaign, with teams both in the Championship and on the continent said to be interested in his services.
Speaking on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, former Ireland international Stephen Elliott said that he feels recently promoted Sunderland would be an ideal fit for the 20-year old.
He's had that full season at League One and I think he's a better player now than League One.
I know people say he didn't score loads of goals in League One but the way he plays, he was always involved in goals and he started to score a few more towards the end of the season - some really good goals.
But for him to keep improving, he needs to move himself up a level. I think somewhere like Sunderland - they need a couple of strikers - they've got Ross Stewart there at the moment but he could do with a little help in there.
I think if Troy Parrott came to Sunderland, I think he'd embrace playing for a club like that with the big crowds, the atmosphere at the games and that feeling of doing well there and thriving there.
He looks like the type of player that thrives on playing on the big occasion and I think it could be a really good move...
He's learning to pick up free kicks now. He's getting his body into positions where he's taking a hit off a defender, he's being clever and buying time for his team.
I think he's got to play in every (Ireland) game for me. He really, really excites me. He reminds a little bit of a street footballer and in time I think he'll make better decisions on his final pass and I think that's going to come to him.
Elliott knows the Stadium of Light well, spending three years there during his playing career.
A move to Sunderland would certainly be an interesting one for Troy Parrott. Regardless of where he goes, he must move to a team that will play to his strengths.
Considering how young he is, it will be exciting to see how his career progresses from this point.
SEE ALSO: Eamon Dunphy & Liam Brady Disagree On Ireland's Progress Under Stephen Kenny
